Analysts and observers have hailed the decision by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by former finance minister Tendai Biti to coalesce around Joice Mujuru’s presidential candidacy in 2018.

Mr. Biti’s party announced on Saturday that it will rally behind the Zimbabwe People First leader who was kicked out of government and Zanu PF over allegations of plotting a coup against President Mugabe.

“As we come to work with you as PDP, we are coming to support you; we are bringing in no other presidential candidate other than Mai Mujuru,” said Biti’s deputy, Sam Sipepa Nkomo, at a joint rally with Mujuru in Binga.

While Zanu PF officials and surrogates have dismissed any such coalitions between Mujuru and other opposition forces, analysts are saying it’s a big deal.

Still, they are calling on all opposition parties to coalesce and unite around one candidate ahead of the widely-anticipated 2018 general elections.

“I think on the part of the PDP it’s quite a magnanimous display, it shows political maturity. They may have realized that it was going to be tough for them to win the presidential election,” said analyst Dumisani Nkomo.

“So, an alliance with Mujuru is quite strategic. However, what is actually needed is a broader alliance of all opposition parties; they need to come together for the 2018 elections.”